A small bathroom creates some design challenges. You have to be far more thoughtful about how you use every square inch of space. You often can’t do much about the toilet, shower or bathtub, but you can make a big difference in your bathroom’s look by updating your vanity.

The best small bathroom vanities will refresh your bathroom by making it appear larger as well as more modern. And if you choose a vanity that maximizes your countertop area, you’ll not only have a more beautiful bathroom but one that is functional, too.

Freshome’s picks for the best small bathroom vanities

Kohler Persuade Petite Vanity

Dimensions: 25.5″ W x 22″ D x 31.5″ H

Kohler’s Persuade collection is designed for the urban and space-challenged home. The open shelf keeps this vanity ($730-$830, depending on sink color) from looking too boxy. It features two functional drawers, where you can quickly stash vanity-top clutter. The frosted-glass lower shelf is the perfect place for towels or a basket of other items.

Whitehaus Collection Aeri Ceramic Wood Countertop

Dimensions: 24″ W x 18″ D x 5″ H

For the latest trend in contemporary bathroom design, try replacing your vanity with a floating-style wall-mounted countertop such as the Aeri ($632), which features an integrated towel rail. Not only is the look modern, it’s a great solution for a small bathroom when floor space is critical.

Ikea is among the best resources for small-space furnishings, and the Lillangen ($209) doesn’t disappoint. This version of the cabinet isn’t even its smallest offering in the series; there’s one that comes in at under 16 inches wide. But this has additional shelving that can be accessed from both the front and the side. And considering that it comes with stainless steel hooks, a soap dish and tray, this may be the most practical vanity on our list.

DecoLav Infusion Wall Mounted Vanity Set

Click here to buy at Amazon

Dimensions: 24″ W x 20″ D x 34″ H

DecoLav’s Infusion vanity set ($905) comes with three pieces to instantly add style to your bathroom. The hardwood vanity measures just 24 inches wide, perfect for nearly any small space, and the integrated chrome bar is the perfect spot for a towel or two. The set also includes a 23-by-31-inch mirror and a contemporary vertical shelf (shown over the toilet in the image) to complete the look of your bathroom.

The Glenwood vanity ($450) by Fine Fixtures is the shallowest of our picks for when you really need the space. It’s just under 10 inches deep, yet the vanity has a useful storage area with shelves underneath. The vitreous china integrated sink is predrilled for an offset faucet.

For a minimalist yet modern vibe, Virtu USA’s Bailey vanity ($929) checks off all the items on the list. It comes in high-gloss white with a white sink; a warm walnut tone or a wenge finish are also available for an extra charge. The four drawers are self-closing and feature contemporary offset hardware.

When you want your bathroom vanity to practically disappear, this floating glass and metal vanity ($206) is a good choice. Your small bathroom will appear larger, because the glass doesn’t claim the space in the same way that other vanities would. An integrated shelf just below the vessel-style sink holds your necessities, while the two chrome-finish bars are perfect for hanging objects and towels.

Corners are often dead space in a room, since they can be awkward to furnish. This small vanity ($358), made of solid wood, can free up valuable space in your bathroom for storage and shelving. The vanity’s smart low-profile design features a rounded-edge sink and a narrow storage section below.

This sleek, minimalist vanity ($299) features the latest trend in contemporary bathroom design — the wall-mounted, floating look. It’s available in black, white or red, with a white china top and drawers that run on soft-close gliders.

Once you choose the perfect piece from our best small bathroom vanities, you might also want to update your mirror and bathroom lighting fixture. A good mirror will accent your vanity and open up the space by reflecting its surroundings, while a modern light fixture will improve the quality of light as well as reflect your personal style.